Carer Singapore’s local food-themed bag charms
Remember those Jellycat-inspired oranges made from pipe cleaners that went viral on TikTok during Chinese New Year? The team behind them are back, and this time, they’ve traded mandarin oranges for something even more Singaporean: local food.
Created by seniors from Carer Singapore, these handmade bag charms take the form of beloved local snacks, proving once again that cute things are hard to resist, especially when food is involved. And if you ask us, combining Singaporeans’ love for makan with adorable handmade crafts is pretty much a guaranteed recipe for success.
Savoury & sweet local snacks-inspired bag charms to choose from
Image adapted from: Carer
For those who prefer their snacks on the savoury side, check out The Spicy Otak ($19.90) and The Teochew Chwee Kueh ($19.90). The otak charm even comes with toothpicks, while the chwee kueh version features cai poh toppings for extra realism.
Image adapted from: Carer, @carer_official via Instagram
Sweet-toothed folks can go for The Nyonya Kueh Lapis 九层糕 ($19.90), painstakingly crafted with layers of colourful pipe cleaners to recreate its signature rainbow stripes. Durian lovers aren’t left out either, with The Aromatic Durian ($24.90) capturing the king of fruits in all its spiky glory.
Image adapted from: Carer
Other familiar local favourites include The Hot Curry Puff ($19.90), complete with its iconic crimped edges, and The Multicolour Ang Ku Kueh ($19.90/each, $53/a box of 3), available in 3 different colours, so you can imagine each one comes with a different filling.
Image adapted from: Carer
You’ll also find The Fragrant Pandan Chiffon Cake ($19.90), a teatime staple for many Singaporeans, alongside The Nyonya Kueh Lapis 千层糕 ($19.90), known for its distinctive thousand-layer appearance.
Image adapted from: Carer
Rounding off the collection are The Teochew Png Kueh ($19.90), instantly recognisable thanks to its pink hue, and The Nyonya Kueh Salat ($19.90), featuring pandan custard and glutinous rice layers.
Support a good cause when you make a purchase
Image credit: @jchyeva via Instagram
Besides being ridiculously cute, these bag charms also support a meaningful cause. Each one is lovingly handmade by the elderly who spend their time at Carer Singapore’s senior activity club, giving them a chance to stay active and pick up new skills.
Every purchase supports the club’s operational costs, helping Carer Singapore continue its programmes and reach even more seniors in need. So if you’ve been looking for an excuse to add another charm to your bag, this is one purchase you can feel extra good about.
Drop by the pop-up at Raffles Xchange to view the bag charms
Carer Singapore is holding a pop-up at Raffles Xchange from now till 26th June 2026, 11am to 7pm daily. The seniors behind the charms were even on-site the past few days, proudly showcasing their handiwork and “preparing” the local snack charms as if they were running a miniature hawker stall.
But if you were hoping to snag one for yourself, we’ve got some bittersweet news. The bag charms proved to be way more popular than expected and have since sold out, with no new orders being accepted at the pop-up.
You can still swing by if you’re in the area, as the team has kept one of each design on display, giving visitors a chance to appreciate all the intricate details up close. Meanwhile, it’s been revealed on Carer Singapore’s Instagram page that new orders are expected to be ready in July 2026, so consider placing your orders online instead.
These handmade bag charms deserve a spot on your tote
It’s hard not to appreciate the amount of care and craftsmanship that went into recreating these iconic local snacks using nothing but pipe cleaners and plenty of patience. So head down to the pop-up to admire them in person and cop a few online to show some support for the seniors behind the creations.
Purchase Carer Singapore’s handmade bag charms
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Cover image adapted from: @jchyeva via Instagram, Carer